Hard to believe, but it's that time again! We are now back in Juneau for the start of the 2018 Regular Session, which officially began this week. As we kick off this session, I want to remind you of some great ways to stay up-to-date and keep in touch.

I will always do my best to keep you informed about what's happening in Juneau, and would love to hear from you!

Education is a priority

With the start of the 2018 session, I wanted to highlight one bill that I'm proud to be co-sponsoring with 20 other legislators. House Bill 287aims to authorize funding for public education and transportation of students before we pass any other operating budget. Prioritizing the public education portion of the budget will make the rest of the budget process more efficient, will allow school districts more time to prepare local budgets, and help put an end to the fiscal uncertainty that leads to pink-slipping teachers every year.

For a summary of other new legislation that has been introduced already this session, reading the two ADN articles covering 2018 pre-filed legislation is a great place to start: Article 1, Article 2.

Right to Try (HB 43) Senate Hearings

House Bill 43is an innovative bill allowing terminally ill patients who do not qualify for clinical trials the option to try experimental treatments in an effort to save their own lives. Similar legislation has now passed in 38 states with strong, bi-partisan support. HB43 simply ensures that Alaskans have the same access to potentially life-saving treatments when they need it most.

During last session, HB43 passed the House unanimously (40-0) and has now been cosponsored by 13 legislators from both the sides of the aisle. The bill now sits in the Senate Health and Social Services Committee where it will have its first hearing next week.

I am excited to be carrying House Bill 43 through the Senate committee process, and urge you to tune in here Wednesday, Jan. 24th at 1:30pm!

Take the District Survey!

The only way to do my job right is to actively search for public input. This survey is the perfect way to let me know what issues in our neighborhoods are important to you. Please take a moment and take the survey!

I'm always available to connect with you about the issues impacting our community. If you have questions, concerns or ideas to share, please don't hesitate to email me at Rep.Jason.Grenn@akleg.gov or call my office at (907) 269-0234.